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Jan 25, 2008 @ 12:04pm

We've struggled with this question for a while now.

The word "corset" usually makes us think of the word "tacky". But this spring, when everyone's wearing their underwear as outerwear, we wonder if we'll be seeing tiny, laced waists and heaving breasts walking past us on the street.

Women's Wear Daily profiles Mr. Pearl today, corset maker to Gaultier, Dior, and of course Dita Von Teese. He says, "To me, a corseted body, with the shape of the indentation at the waist, is beauty in extreme; it represents absolute femininity."

We agree, so long as it's done correctly. This is one trend that requires a significant investment if it's to be worn well.

Please do not buy a corset from Victoria's Secret and wear it with jeans; stay away from H&M's lingerie section or you risk looking like Lindsay Lohan pre-Rachel Zoe. Explore the look with Vivienne Westwood or Kiki de Montparnasse etc.

The look can be head turning if done subtly and on the right occasion, but a poor quality corset made of cheap satin and lace would be disastrous.

So would you wear one?

posted by GQDetails8604

Jan 25, 2008 12:14PM

Yea I definitely think when it's done in the correct way a corset can make jaws drop and bring a man or women to there knees. Over the holiday season BCBG RTW had a gold suit that was three pieces, a jkt, pants, and corset it wasn't that great shown all together but a corset with a flattering jkt., or even a classic tailored white button up (unbuttoned) would be a good look.

posted by guest

Jan 25, 2008 1:04PM

When done right, I love the look of a corset. I definitely agree that it could easily go down the "tacky" route (i.e. Christina Aguilera à la Moulin Rouge). I have a beautiful black BCBG corset style top. It has the feminine structure of a corset and is very flattering on the bust without being over the top. It's just in a pared down version--a great alternative.

Jan 25, 2008 1:25PM

corsets are beautiful! i'm in the process of designing and making one for a friend!

posted by mpw

Jan 25, 2008 1:58PM

I have a pink one with black piping from Agent Provocateur that I love.

Jan 25, 2008 2:10PM

im a big fan of the corset, nothings sexier

Jan 25, 2008 2:37PM

Well, for most, Victoria's Secret is a BIT more accessible than Vivienne Westwood.

Jan 25, 2008 3:48PM

i used to have to wear real old-skool corsets when i was doing theatre, with lacing and little hooks and all. those things plus period heels are INTENSE. you gotta get a rhythm and balance to your walk, and breathe without the use of your stomache whatsoever.

little goth girls have kind of wrecked the corset for me. as an hourglass girl, i'd wear one in the right circumstances, but yeah...i think they need some serious new flair to be good now...

Jan 25, 2008 4:54PM

Uh, I don't know about in public. Most girls probably couldn't pull this off. I've seen too may trashy girls attempting the look. Corsets, well-made ones only, are best suited for the bedroom if you ask me..

Jan 26, 2008 12:02AM

Agent Provocateur has amazing corsets that while a bit bedroom-y, they work amazing for with layers over or under them to make them less show-y. The Trashy Edy corset is also very simple and chic, and despite the name, very not-trashy

Jan 26, 2008 10:43AM

maybe not an ACTUAL corset, but something corset-inspired? sure, didn't everyone go ga-ga over those proenza corset tops, and there have been many corset-inspired tops and dresses. Wearing an actual corset is way too complicated and uncomfortable...

posted by purly

Jan 27, 2008 9:15PM

I wear one to the ren faire.

posted by Divina

Feb 14, 2008 3:39PM

The Agent Provocateur corsets are not real corsets. They are more like bustiers. Real corsets have steel boning that gives the wearer waist reduction. I've been wearing corsets for over 7 years and I love them. They are not that uncomfortable, once you get used to wearing them.